On 29 September 2026, Fr. General appointed Fr. Brian Bonaventure Pereira, SJ, as the new Provincial of Karnataka Province. Habemus Provincialem! I warmly congratulate Brian and assure him of my prayers as he takes up this important mission of leadership and service.

Born on 8 March 1971, Brian joined the Society on 20 June 1989. His rich experience as vocation promoter, pre-novitiate director, youth director, superior of Arrupe Nivas, and rector of Jesuit Nivas and St Aloysius College has prepared him well for this responsibility. His administrative experience, accompaniment skills and involvement in RRSJSA will serve him well as he leads our 317 Jesuits and 70 apostolic units into the future. Dear Brian, may you lead with discernment, courage, compassion and trust in the Lord. May your leadership help us grow as companions, deepen our commitment to the mission and discover new ways of serving God’s people. I wish you and your team abundant blessings!

As I write my final Provincial’s Musings, I do so with a heart overflowing with gratitude. These six years have been a precious journey of grace. I sincerely thank every Jesuit of our Province for your obedience, cooperation, co-discernment, collaboration and generous support. Your trust, honest conversations, shared responsibilities and readiness to walk together made my ministry of governance smoother, more meaningful and deeply fruitful. I could never have carried this responsibility alone; your companionship made all the difference. I specially thank the province administration consisting of the Socius, consultors, province treasurer, PDD and PCF for their close collaboration and for being with me during my consolations and desolations. The superiors, DoWs, and commission coordinators helped me in arriving at decisions through common discernment.

I am especially grateful for your prayers and loving care during my illness. You helped me experience, in a deeply personal way, what it means to be brothers in the Lord. The five ordinations this year have also filled me with hope and gratitude, reminding me that God continues to call labourers into His vineyard.

Our journey has not been without challenges. Artificial intelligence is transforming education, work and relationships, inviting us to use technology wisely and ethically. SIR protests remind us of the importance of justice, democratic participation, and the protection of the dignity of every citizen. Drought in North Karnataka calls us to stand with vulnerable communities with solidarity and care for creation. Corruption continues to challenge our work and commitment to integrity and accountability. Amid these realities, let us remain courageous, united and creative in advancing our mission.

I hand over the Province with peace, gratitude and hope. Brian, the Province is yours to lead, but never yours to carry alone. May we support you as generously as you have supported others. As October honours Mary, let us entrust Brian, our Province and its mission to her maternal care.

Thank you, dear brothers, for everything. Please remember me in your prayers, as I will remember you in mine.